Darlene Green

Darlene Green, who became comptroller in 1995, had faced little to no opposition in her eight previous elections.

The contest between incumbent Darlene Green and Donna Baringer, a former state representative and St. Louis alderwoman, is the most competitive comptroller's race since 1996.

The city’s Democratic Central Committee met Saturday with representatives of all 14 wards. Nine voted in support of endorsing Mayor Tishaura Jones, and 15 members voted for Spencer.

Incumbent Darlene Green and former alderwoman and state Rep. Donna Baringer were separated by just over 500 votes, according to final but official results.

Incumbent Darlene Green is one of three candidates running for St. Louis comptroller. She faces former alderwoman and state Rep. Donna Baringer and accounting firm owner Celeste Metcalf in the March 4 primary.

Green replaces Lewis Reed, who resigned after pleading guilty to federal corruption charges earlier this year.

The city's top fiscal body failed Friday to approve a proposed $168 million spending plan ahead of a summer recess at the Board of Aldermen.

The $4 million in savings would be directed toward victims services, affordable housing, homeless services and a legal department to prosecute civil rights violations.

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones took her oath of office on Tuesday, promising to transform a city that's long struggled with a vexing racial divide and economic decline.

The company behind the campaign to recall Spencer has been involved in airport privatization efforts but says it isn't about her opposition on the issue.